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L'OM ready for summer splash

MARSEILLE are primed for a massive rebuilding programme this summer, with a number of top stars on chairman Christophe Bouchet's hit-list.

L'OM have already confirmed their interest in Auxerre hot-shot Djibril Cisse, but a galaxy of big names could be arriving at Stade Velodrome.

Jean-Alain Boumsong, like Cisse also a target for Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, Benoit Pedretti (pictured), Mickael Landreau and Luisao are also believed to be wanted by the team currently lying second in Le Championnat.

"The general idea is to continue after the arrivals of Daniel van Buyten and Dmitri Sytchev," affirmed Bouchet.

"We are looking for young players with great potential or already experienced, it is our favourite target."

Defensive ace Boumsong is more likely to arrive if van Buyten heads for the exit door, with Bayern Munich now reportedly favourites to land the Belgian international.

As for Cisse, Auxerre's Guy Roux clearly does not want to sell his star striker this year, but a bidding war between l'OM, providing they seal Champions League qualification, and Liverpool may force the veteran coach to change his mind.

Sochaux skipper Pedretti still has a year left on his contract, but could sign an extension, although his Euro 2004 ambitions might be boosted by a move abroad.

Nantes keeper Landreau is tipped to be targeted if Vedran Runje leaves Marseille, and an enquiry from Alain Perrin is already rumoured to have been made.

Cruzeiro want around é¼6 million for Luisao, but l'OM's valuation of the defender is around é¼2 million short of that figure.